The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers are set to clash in the rubber match of their three-game series this afternoon at Daikin Park, and there's plenty of drama brewing in this early-season showdown. With the Astros sitting at 15-22 and the Dodgers boasting a 22-14 record, both teams have something to prove as they take the field for a matinee battle.
On the mound, the Astros will turn to right-hander Lance McCullers Jr., who enters with a 2-2 record and a 6.32 ERA. McCullers is coming off a win in his last start on April 20 against Baltimore, where he allowed three earned runs over six innings. He'll face a tough test in Dodgers righty Tyler Glasnow, who has been dominant so far with a 3-0 record and a sparkling 2.56 ERA.
Interestingly, McCullers has historically thrived against the Dodgers. In four career regular-season starts against Los Angeles, he's posted a remarkable 2-0 record with a 1.14 ERA over 23.2 innings. That includes a memorable outing last July 4 at Dodger Stadium, where he surrendered just one earned run in six innings during an 18-1 Astros blowout. McCullers also faced the Dodgers twice in the 2017 World Series, starting Game 3 and Game 7—both Astros victories.
In roster news, the Astros have recalled infielder Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land and placed infielder Carlos Correa on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle tendon injury, retroactive to May 5. The injury is expected to sideline Correa for the remainder of the 2026 season, a significant blow to the team's infield depth.
There's also a reason to celebrate today: Astros legend Jose Altuve turns 36 years old. The second baseman shares his birthday with Hall of Famer Willie Mays and veteran reliever Larry Andersen, who famously was traded for Jeff Bagwell in 1990—a deal that reshaped Astros history.
On the offensive side, first baseman Christian Walker is a familiar thorn in the Dodgers' side. After homering last night, Walker now has 30 career home runs against Los Angeles in 95 games, his most against any opponent. His .879 career OPS versus the Dodgers leads all active players with at least 300 plate appearances, and his 30 homers rank third among active players.
Infielder Isaac Paredes has been on a tear, hitting safely in 12 of his last 15 games dating back to April 19. Over that stretch, he's batting .339 with two doubles, three homers, nine RBI, and a .948 OPS. He's also reached base safely in 10 straight games, posting a .442 on-base percentage in that span.
Finally, the Astros have three pitchers on rehab assignments at Triple-A Sugar Land, adding depth to a pitching staff that's looking to find its rhythm. With the season still young, today's game offers a chance for Houston to build momentum against one of the National League's best.